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Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Black Barlow'

columbine

Ranunculaceae Europe (species)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Black Barlow' is a clump-forming perennial in the Ranunculaceae family, grown for its fully double, spurless flowers in deep maroon to near-black. It reaches 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall in bloom and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide, forming a basal clump of blue-green, lobed, fern-like leaves. Unlike typical columbines, the var. stellata flowers have no spurs; the petals form a layered, star-shaped double rosette 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) across. Flowers are held on upright branched stems in late spring and early summer. It is a short-lived perennial, often lasting two to four years, but self-seeds where conditions suit, though seedlings may not come true to the dark colour. It grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil and is hardy to about -30F (-34C). All parts contain compounds that are toxic if eaten. Foliage may be marked by leaf miners after flowering.

Native Range

The species Aquilegia vulgaris is native to Europe, growing in woodland edges, meadows, and on limestone soils. 'Black Barlow' is a garden selection of the double-flowered var. stellata, raised in cultivation.

Suggested Uses

Grown in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and woodland-edge plantings, spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart. The dark double flowers combine with pale flowers and silver foliage in borders. The cut flowers last well in arrangements.

How to Identify

Recognised by fully double, spurless flowers in deep maroon to near-black, forming a layered star-shaped rosette unlike the spurred flowers of most columbines. The blue-green, lobed, fern-like leaves form a basal clump. Branched upright stems carry the dark flowers well above the foliage.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 2'6"

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer, roughly May to June in the Northern Hemisphere, over three to four weeks. The double, spurless flowers open deep maroon to near-black on branched stems. Bees and other insects visit the open flowers.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep maroon to near-black

Foliage Description

Blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam chalk sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil at a pH of 6.0-7.5. Water needs are medium, with even moisture during growth and flowering. It is hardy to about -30F (-34C) and dies back over winter, returning in spring. It is short-lived, lasting two to four years, but self-sown seedlings often maintain a planting, though their flower colour varies. Leaf miners and powdery mildew can mark the foliage, mainly after flowering.

Pruning

Spent flower stems are cut back after bloom, which tidies the clump and limits self-seeding if seedlings are not wanted. Leaving some stems allows seed to set and scatter. Tired foliage is cut to the base in late summer to prompt fresh growth.

Pruning Schedule

summer